MPs back new law to jail dangerous cyclists for up to 14 years

Cyclists who ride dangerously and cause fatalities could soon face up to 14 years in prison, following the House of Commons' support for new legislation. MPs have voted to introduce three new offences: "causing death by dangerous cycling", "causing serious injury by dangerous cycling", and "causing death by careless or inconsiderate cycling".

The proposal, spearheaded by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, has received backing from the Government and is set to be incorporated into the Criminal Justice Bill as it progresses through Parliament.

The Conservative former leader emphasised the urgency of the law, stating: "This is not, as is often accused by people who say anything about it, anti-cycling. Quite the opposite, it's about making sure this takes place in a safe and reasonable manner."

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Sir Iain highlighted the case of Matthew Briggs, whose wife Kim tragically died at the age of 44 after being struck by a cyclist on Old Street, east London. The cyclist, who was using a fixed-gear bicycle without a front brake, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted at the Old Bailey under the archaic "wanton or furious driving" charge from the 1861 Offences Against The Person Act.

Sir Iain remarked: "(Mr Briggs') attempt to get a cyclist prosecuted after his wife was killed in central London in 2016 involved a legal process that was so convoluted and difficult even the presiding judge has said afterwards, since she's retired, that this made a mockery and therefore it needed to be addressed, that the laws do not cover what happened to his wife and is happening to lots of other people."

He added: "The amendment, I believe, will achieve equal accountability, just as drivers are held accountable for dangerous driving that results in death, cyclists I think should face similar consequences for reckless behaviour that leads to fatalities.", reports Birmingham Live.

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In response to the amendment's approval, Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated: "Most cyclists, like most drivers, are responsible and considerate. But it's only right that the tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face the full weight of the law for doing so."

He continued: "Just like car drivers who flout the law, we are backing this legislation introducing new offences around dangerous cycling. These new measures will help protect law-abiding cyclists, pedestrians and other road users, whilst ensuring justice is done."

Dangerous cycling is already outlined in the Road Traffic Act, which describes it as riding in a manner which "falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful cyclist" and where "it would be obvious to a competent and careful cyclist that riding in that way would be dangerous".

The suggested legislation would necessitate that cyclists ensure their vehicle "is equipped and maintained" legally, which encompasses maintaining functioning brakes. The law would apply to incidents involving pedal cycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-unicycles.

Existing laws already deem causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate driving as offences. However, these rules apply only when the vehicles involved are "mechanically propelled".